it may bring new challenges to the united nations system and for israel. but this week's vote should give all of us pause. all sides need to consider carefully the path ahead. palestinian leaders need to ask themselves what unilateral action can really accomplish for their people. president abbas took a step in the wrong direction this week. we opposed his resolution. but we also need to see that the palestinian authority in the west bank still offers the most compelling alternative to rockets and permanent resistance. at a time when religious extremists claim to offer rewards in the hereafter, israel needs to help those committed to peace deliver for their people in the here and now. the leaders of the west bank -- president abbas and prime minister fayyad -- deserve credit for their real achievements on the ground. they made their streets safe again; they brought a measure of peace; they overhauled governing institutions. they have cooperated with israel to help enhance israel's security. and we have to be honest with ourselves that, right now, all of th